Crystal's Secret first draft

Twisted Secrets

Crystal Glacier glided slowly through the empty halls of the barracks. The shadows mocked her as she carried the revolting plate of rations toward an injured soldier's station. Whispers floated through the murky waters.

Whispers of pain.

She shudder, cursed memories threatening to overwhelm her.

Was it worth it?

Something she had thought a million times over since the battle. A battle that had cost her her home, her kingdom, even her family.

Was it worth it?

Crystal reached the soldiers station and gasped at what she saw.

The soldier hadn't even been given a blanket. He lay on the dirty, bare floor as if he were already dead.

Unfortunately, he was very alive.

"Ah, Princess. What a pleasure. Come back for another talk?" He grinned sickeningly.

"You know full well why I'm here!" She thrust the tray at him, gagging somewhat at its contents.

This did not go unnoticed, for the soldier widened his grin further, reveling in her discomfort. However, he did not try anything.

Not yet, at least, Crystal thought, her gut spinning.

She dropped the tray at his fins and he sprang for it; digging in like a wild beast at its morning kill. She eyed him with disgust, then moved to leave the tiny cell.

"You know, after a year in a war, somehow you're still pretty," At this his tone seemed to change, his creepy grin dying on his lips, replaced with a despondent smile.

"And after a year in a war, somehow you're still an idiot," She said, choosing not to notice the change.

"And after a year in a war, I thought I would get respect as a soldier," He said in defeat.

"Maybe you would, if you hadn't become so creepy," Crystal quipped.

"How else could I keep them away?" He reasoned.

"Yes, but that was an act! Now it's really you!" Crystal cried with exasperation.

"No," His voice was hard, filled with determination, " It's not,"

"Isn't it?!?" Her voice was high with histeria, breaking her own facade.

"No it isn't," His words had truly lost their creepy aura and were filled with warmth, comfort and peacefulness.

Crystals face softened, eyes filled with wonder.

She mouthed 'thank you' to him and quickly shut the door.

Oh Beckett. What I wouldn't give to hear your voice, Crystal thought, myrthe creeping in the bags under her eyes.

She didn't know it would be the last time.